Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has received correspondence from promoters of the new Cliffs of Moher visitor centre, Clare County Council, regarding the €4 million shortfall that has emerged in the €32 million project; his plans to assist in meeting the shortfall in view of the strategic importance of the project to the Irish tourism market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6231/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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While my Department is aware of the shortfall that has emerged with regard to funding for the new Cliffs of Moher visitor centre, it has no record of any correspondence from Clare County Council specifically on this matter.

As provided by section 8(1) of the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, it is a matter for Fáilte Ireland to encourage, promote and support the development and marketing of tourist facilities and services within the State. In this regard the Deputy may be aware that, in 2004, the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre project was awarded a grant of almost €10 million under Fáilte Ireland's ERDF co-financed tourism product development scheme. In the same year, my Department, pursuant to the provisions of section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001, and in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, authorised Clare County Council to borrow a sum not exceeding €15 million for the sole purpose of developing this project at the Cliffs of Moher. It remains the responsibility of the promoters to ensure that the project is completed within the parameters specified by Fáilte Ireland, which includes financial viability.